AST supplements
Official UK Supplier for AST Sports Science!
We stock all UK licensed AST Sports Science Supplements!
Ideally, if we could get all the nutrients we need from regular food and
have time to prepare 6 – 8 small meals a day then that would be fantastic.
Lets face facts, who has the time to prepare these meals and are you sure
that you’re getting everything you need. What with all the pesticides and
various chemicals used in our food, we can’t be to sure what we are eating.
For us to be able to build our bodies and feed our brains we need to supplement
our diets, for reasons of, time, efficiency and confidence that we know
we are getting the vital nutrients that we need.
Do We Need Vitamins, Minerals, Multivitamins, Nutritional Supplements?
from Robert Anthony
A Reader-Submitted Article
Are the Supplements Helpful?
The answer is yes. There are a variety of reasons. First, because nearly
nobody eats enough of the RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) of vitamins
and minerals, or even the number of foods from the food groups. Second,
our soil has been depleted through the years and food simply isn't as nutritious
as it used to be. Third, exercise and stress deplete the body of certain
nutrients.
When you May Need the Vitamin/Mineral Supplements
You may need them if you are falling short of your nutrient
intake. This usually happens:
• If your hectic lifestyle frequently keeps you from eating the recommended
number of servings of food, fruits or vegetables.
• If you are on a very low-calorie weight loss diet.
• If you are elderly and not eating as much as you should
• If you are a strict vegetarian.
• If you can't drink milk or eat cheese and yogurt.
• If you are a woman of child-bearing age who doesn't get enough folate
from fruits, vegetables, beans, and grains.
1. NATURAL VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS: These are derived from food sources and usually contain a natural mix of vitamins and other derivatives from the original source. Common sources are yeast, liver, maize (corn), soy, rosehips and alfalfa. Any allergic reaction may be due to the extra ingredients rather than the vitamin itself. In general the doses are not very high.
2. SYNTHETIC VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS: These are made in laboratory and contain the exact chemical formula of the vitamin. Doses are usually higher than the natural supplements, and some preparations contain vitamins from both sources.
3. CHELATED MINERALS: These have been specially prepared by the manufacturers to facilitate the absorption of the mineral in the body.
Various Forms in which Vitamins and Minerals can be Presented
1.TABLETS have a long shell life. They contain additives known as fillers,
packers and stabilizers that can cause allergic reactions.
2. CAPSULES are used for fat-soluble vitamins and powdered formulations.
They are usually made of animal gelatine. When buying oil or oil capsules,
it is important to check that the oil has been 'cold pressed' during preparation
to avoid adverse chemical changes.
3. POWDERED PREPARATIONS are the most rapidly absorbed formulations, but
are often the least palatable. They are usually free of additives.
4. LIQUIDS can contain coloring agents and sweeteners (as can children's
chewable formulations).
What about Multivitamins?
Multivitamin supplements contain several vitamins or minerals instead of only one vitamin or mineral. Some vitamins or minerals are more beneficial when they are taken in the company of some other vitamins or minerals. For example:• Vitamins C and E are more effective when taken together.
• Taking selenium increases the heart-healthy effects of vitamin E.
• Vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folic acid are most beneficial when taken together.
• Calcium and magnesium work better when taken together.
Some Important Things to Keep in Mind Before Taking Supplements
1. Although supplements may be helpful, it is important to remember that
no supplement will replace the value of a healthy diet. Most major medical
establishments recommend that healthy adults get their vitamins and minerals
from food rather than relying solely on supplements. Food is rich in phytochemicals
and other helpful substances that are not present in supplements.
2. Before supplementing the diet with any vitamins or minerals, people are
encouraged to speak with their physician. Some people should not take certain
supplements if they have been diagnosed with other conditions. For example,
people with kidney problems are often advised against taking magnesium.
3. Do not exceed the manufacturer's recommended dose without professional
advice. Health risks can arise when there is too much of any given vitamin
or mineral in the body.